Early bird catches silver lining [EMC compliance]

The author outlines the response of Seaward Electronic Ltd. to the European Directive on Electromagnetic Compatibility. The company looked at and rejected the test house option, internal test equipment and technical construction files. Instead Seaward Electronic started to address the knowledge and expertise problem. After consulting the country´s leading EMC experts the company commissioned a successful feasibility study from York University´s Electronics Centre, who were eventually briefed to develop the expert system into a commercial product. The resulting system, the Seaward Expert Consultant, offers knowledge and information to companies looking to establish a clear route to EMC compliance. Expert Consultant contains details of all the standards, the relevant test methods, the test procedures and levels of performance. It allows users to enter product details and, by answering yes/no questions, to identify appropriate standards and necessary tests. The Expert Consultant can produce all the necessary documentation to carry out testing and, where appropriate, produce pro forma construction files, which can be completed, stored in the equipment and printed out. It also has a diagnostic capability in the event of problems